We’re not talking about careless behavior. We’re talking about conduct that causes someone to scream “Outrageous!” The conduct must be so extreme “as to exceed all bounds of decency in a civilized world,” as the courts like to say. Not just bad behavior. Really bad behavior.

Behavior in certain contexts is more likely to be considered extreme and outrageous: 1) when a defendant abuses a position of power; or 2) when a defendant knows that a plaintiff is susceptible to mental distress.

Other than that, however, there is no rule that says certain conduct is deemed extreme and outrageous. Matters are decided on a case by case basis. But here’s a parade of horribles where California courts have found IIED:

IIED is an intense tort that few outside of the law are aware of. But it’s used to punish people’s bad behavior. Hopefully you’ll never experience extreme and outrageous behavior that causes you severe emotional distress. But if you do, remember IIED.